Nora's POV
I wore a powder-blue fitted blouse and a well-tailored black pencil skirt. To complete the look, I tucked my blouse into the skirt and added a silver belt to accentuate my curves. I chose a pair of black kitten heels to give me a boost in confidence and opted for nude pantyhose to slim my silhouette. I carefully studied my reflection in the mirror and felt utterly beautiful. But I knew this was going to be a disaster.
''Be optimistic.'' Lolita encouraged, ''Maybe he was just surprised, as you are.'' She said, causing a heavy sigh to leave my lips. I stole one more glance at myself in the mirror before picking up my bag and phone from the bed.
''Are you set?'' Maxwell asked through telepathy.
''Yes, and I'm starting to regret it,'' I murmured as I walked out of the room.
''Don't be. Everything will turn out right,'' He said, and I hummed in response, climbing down the stairs.
I got to the sitting room and met mom, dad, and Vera having breakfast. They all looked like one happy family, and my presence wasn't noticed. It felt like a knife pierced right through my heart, but I composed myself and wore a big smile.
''Good morning, Dad, Good morning mom,'' I greeted as I made my way to the dining.
''Gosh, those clothes look terrible on you. Wear something else,'' Vera mocked, but didn't get a response from me.
''Are you set?'' Dad asked and got a nod. ''Bye, I'll see you when I return.'' With those words, I placed a kiss on dad's cheek and walked away, ignoring the questions of mother, asking where I was heading.
I stepped out of the house and walked a few steps before getting a taxi. ''Luciano mansion,'' I said, and the driver asked me to get in.
I got into the passenger seat and lowered the window of the car to inhale the fresh air coming from the freezing weather.
''Do you work there?'' The driver asked, ''Might work there if I'm lucky today.'' I responded, ''You will get the job.'' He said and got a grateful smile from me.
''My mate works there. She is a kitchen assistant. Her name is Linda. Tell her you met Austin.'' He said and got a nod from me.
The drive was silent until he pulled up in front of a big black gate.
''We are here,'' He announced, putting off his car's engine. ''Thank you,'' I said and took out some cash from my bag and paid him.
I exited the car and stood before the gate in a panicked breath. I was scared, scared of seeing him again.
''Just go in,'' Lolita urged.
With a nervous gulp, I walked to the gate and rang the bell, waiting for a response.
''Yes?'' A strong, Manly voice spoke from the speaker.
''Hello, I'm Nora. I'm here for the library keeper's job,'' I responded as I clenched the side of my clothes in a fist.
The line went silent until I noticed the gate slowly open. ''Come in,'' The same manly voice spoke.
''Thank you.'' I gulped and stepped in.
The moment I stepped in, I couldn't help but open my mouth in awe at the mansion's structure before me. The grounds were an expanse of glimmering emerald grass, lined with ancient elm and oak trees, which were heavy with leaves that swayed in the gentle breeze. The house itself was a grand affair, fitting for nobility—a two-story structure of brick and white pillars with four tall, slender towers on its corners. A wide, winding path of cobblestones led the way to the front entrance, bordered by beds of roses and azaleas. I could make out the glimmer of the grand windows and the intricate stone carvings on the walls. I was filled with a strange mix of awe and anticipation as I stepped closer to the house.
''Come with me.'' A man dressed in black jeans and a white T-shirt spoke, while I nodded and followed him.
We got to the entrance door, protected by two well-built men. Without being told, they opened the door and let us in. ''Thank you,'' I whispered, and followed the man in.
We stepped into the living room, and I couldn't help but move my gaze around at the interior designs of the mansion.
The walls were lined with intricately patterned wallpaper, interspersed with oil paintings and delicate tapestries. The smooth golden hardwood floor was covered with a plush Persian rug, and the furniture was all crafted from lavish dark wood - there was a grand piano, a round dining table, and several large armchairs and couches. Above the fireplace hung a beautiful crystal chandelier that sparkled in the soft light of the room. Every detail, from the polished surfaces to the gilded frames, was perfectly orchestrated to create a sense of timeless elegance and refinement.
I noticed a large painting on the wall and fixed my gaze on it. A man sat in an armchair, and by his side was a woman and a teenage boy; without being told, I knew the teenage boy was alpha Leo.
''Have a seat. She will be with you shortly.'' the man spoke, bringing me back to reality. ''She?'' I asked with confused eyebrows, ''Yes, the head maiden'' He responded and got a nod from me. ''Have a seat,'' He said and walked away.
With a gulp, I slowly sank onto the couch and noticed how soft and comfortable it felt. With curiosity, I moved my gaze around, staring at different pictures of Alpha Leo. A particular picture caught my sight, and I couldn't get my eyes off it.
It was a painting of a gigantic black wolf, mouth wide open like he was howling. He has green, piercing eyes that remind me of someone. ''Mine!'' My Wolf, Lolita, howled in my head, causing an icy shiver to run down my spine.
''Hope I didn't keep you waiting.'' I heard a female voice and quickly stood at my feet.
''Not at all,'' I said and turned to take a glimpse of her before she stood before me.
She was dressed corporately in a black suit and skirt. Her black hair was packed in a bun, and her black shoes made her look more like a corporate worker than a head maiden.
''You must be Nora.'' She said, bringing forth her hand for a handshake, '' Yes, I'm Nora. Nice to meet you,'' I said and took her hand for a handshake.
''You are not exactly what I pictured, but it's fine.'' She flashed me a weak smile and let go of my hand. ''What were you expecting?'' I asked, hiding the hurt in my voice.
This wasn't the first time I heard such a statement from someone whenever we were meeting for the first time. Comments like this were normal to me, and I didn't let them get to me.
''Someone older,'' She lied. I knew she wanted to say, '' Someone slender and attractive''
''Well, this is me,'' I said with a weak smile.
She nodded to my words and fixed her gaze on me, more like she was observing me.
''Your report states that you are a college student?'' She asked, staring at a file in her hands. ''Yes, I'm in my final year at nightingale university, studying English and literature,'' I responded and got an approving nod from her.
I watched her scan through the file for a moment before looking up at me. ''You are Edwin's daughter?'' She asked with furrowed eyebrows, '' Yes, Edwin watts is my father.'' I responded and saw how shocked she looked. ''Are you for real?'' She asked with disbelief, ''Yes.'' I responded. It was obvious she knew Dad.
''Wow, I didn't know he had another daughter. I only knew he had a son, Maxwell, and a daughter, Vera. Your mom never mentioned you. Were you adopted?'' She asked, shattering my heart into pieces.
Not the first time I've been asked such a question, and it definitely won't be the last.
With a straight face, I responded, ''I wasn't adopted. I'm a biological child of Edwin and Cecilia. Vera is my twin. I'm older by an hour,'' I said and saw the stunned look on her face.
''You are Vera's twin?'' She asked with disbelief and got a nod from me. ''This is unbelievable. Why don't I see you at social gatherings with your family? I remembered I saw your family a year ago at the coronation ceremony of Alpha Leo, but you weren't there with them.'' She questioned with a questioning look.
''I fell sick that day and couldn't attend,'' I lied. I hate social gatherings and especially ones that draw crowds.
She went silent for a moment and nodded before returning to my file in her hand. ''You are twenty-three years old.'' She read, ''Loves cooking and reading books.'' I hummed and watched her continue reading but stopped halfway.
''You have no experience as a library keeper?'' She asked and got a nod from me, ''You don't have to worry about that. I believe the firm who referred me saw my potential.'' I tried convincing her but got a disapproving sigh from her.
''Luciano's library is not just an ordinary library. So many important family histories are kept there. Also, the late alpha Silas books are kept there, and also the historical documentation of this pack. I believe you understand what I'm trying to say to you?'' She asked and got a nod from me.
“This library is fundamental to the mansion and pack historical and cultural heritage,” she continued. "For generations, the library has contained the literature, knowledge, and ideas of the ages. Its contents include records of the past, the insights of philosophers, and the works of countless artists and authors. It is a treasure that should never be played with.' She warned.
“It is your job to protect and care for the library and its contents. You must safeguard these books and materials from vandalism, theft, and other potential hazards. It is your duty to maintain the library and ensure that its knowledge is accessible to future generations. This is a responsibility you take with utmost seriousness and respect.” She explained, causing nervous gulps down my throat. I never expected the job to be this serious and important.